The Bible can seem confusing. You want to connect with God, but Scripture can be hard to understand, and it feels like you’re missing some secret code or magic key.

Wouldn’t it be great if that key actually existed?

While there’s no magic involved, there are a few skills to help you understand the Bible. What once felt cloudy can start to clear into a connection with God through reading His Word. 

But First, What is the Bible?

The Bible is often called one book, but it is actually a collection of 66 books that tell one story. God hand-picked the writers of these individual books to pen His words, but they probably didn’t know that the book they wrote to a certain audience for a certain purpose was also a chapter in the story of God written for us today.  

Where to Start

Seeing the Bible as a collection that tells one story helps us read it. First, when reading any book in the Bible, look at how it fits into God’s story, the story of the Bible. In other words, look at the context. Then, read the book to understand what the original human author, inspired by God, was saying to their original audience. Finally, reflect on the passages in the books of the Bible to help personally think deeply about God, truth, and how the Bible’s teachings connect to our lives today. 

But where do you start?

Tip #1: Choose a reading plan. 

Choose a Bible reading plan that walks through a book or several books of the Bible. Reading parts of the Bible out of context can be confusing. 

The Blue Letter Bible chronological plan is my favorite because I like to read through the whole story in the timeline, but YouVersion’s Bible app also contains lots of Bible reading options that walk through books of the Bible.

Tip #2: Keep a journal of your reading.

A journal can store and sort your ideas and reflections. Use any kind of journal you like. 

Tip #3: Break down each passage. 

Over the years, I developed what I call a S.I.M.P.L.E. Bible reading method. It is not the unwritten law to Bible study, nor the only way to read the Bible, but by including some of the practices below, can increase confidence and clarity when reading and understanding passages. 

S: Survey the Passage. 

Choose a portion of Scripture that completes one thought — a passage. Notice passages and the paragraph breaks or headings. Then, observe the context of that passage to help know what the passage might be about. Ask questions like: 

• In the Old Testament or the New Testament? 
• Who was the writer of the book, and when and where was it written?
• Who were they writing to?
• What might have been happening in their town/culture at the time?
• What comes before the passage? After? 

A good study Bible can usually help begin understanding the context of the book. Blue Letter Bible or the Bible Project are free resources online. 

I: Ingest the Passage. 

Pray and invite God to guide you. Then, read the passage two to three times and reflect on it. What is the passage about? What was it saying to the original audience? Paraphrasing it can help. Or maybe there was a part that touched your heart in a certain way. Write down any thoughts. 

M: Mark the Passage.

What do you observe in more detail? Look for: 

• Key words or phrases.
• Repeating words or similar meaning words. 
• Connecting words like “therefore,” “so that,” “because,” etc.
• Contrasts, i.e., “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves” (Matthew 10:16, NIV).
• Changes in kinds of writing from storytelling, poetry, or prophecy. 
• Flow of thought.
• Metaphors, similes, and other descriptive language.
• Questions for further study.

P: Pray. 

Pray about what you observed. What questions, thoughts, and insights came to mind? Talk to God about these and anything else on your heart. Pray whatever you feel comfortable praying.

L: Look at Cross References.

After praying, look at other passages in Scripture that might reference similar ideas. This is called correlation. 

As you interpret Scripture, if you think a passage means something, but it is the opposite of a clearly revealed truth in another passage, you need to rethink your idea. One of my professors in seminary once said, “Scripture interprets Scripture.”

E: Explore Applications.

• What is a timeless truth to glean in this passage?
• What am I to believe, think, and/or do in light of this timeless truth?
• Finish this statement, “This week, I will (fill in what you will do).”
• Pray about this.

Tip #4: Move forward. 

Bible reading is a skill that becomes more lifegiving as you read. Just keep praying for God to teach you and keep showing up to His Word. The more you do, the more you will hear God speak, for all Scripture is God-breathed (2 Timothy 3:16).  

Finally, I suggest reading the Bible in community. When you talk about what you are learning with others, you and others grow and glean new ways to live out God’s Word. Not to mention, it’s just fun doing anything with friends. 

Keep reading the Bible. God’s word is a lamp for our feet and a light for our path (Psalm 119:105).